Lions bite fury: Irish prop Healy faces being sent home in disgrace as Corbisiero is called up

The Lions are facing the spectre of one of their players being sent home in disgrace as Ireland prop Cian Healy was cited after being accused of biting in the win over Western Force.

After the tourists claimed a 69-17 victory here in Perth, the 25-year-old Leinster loosehead discovered that citing commissioner Freek Burger had ruled that he had a case to answer.

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Cited: Healy's tour could be over, with a biting offence generally carrying a lengthy ban

Is it a bite? Pictures appear to show Healy biting Brett Sheehan

Healy was ordered to appear at a hearing on Thursday, charged with an ‘act contrary to good sportsmanship’. Healy’s ‘victim’, Force scrum-half Brett Sheehan, had reacted furiously to the alleged bite.

It was insult added to injury for Healy, who was taken off on a stretcher in the 36th minute, having suffered ligament damage to his left ankle. England prop Alex Corbisiero has been called up and will now fly from Argentina to Australia.

Standing in: Corbisiero has been called up as an 'injury replacement' for Healy

While Healy was in hospital having a scan, the citing commissioner requested a written submission from Force No 9 Sheehan, who was clearly furious after he and Healy emerged from a ruck. Sheehan accused Healy of biting him, leading to referee Glen Jackson asking for help from the television match official. TV footage appeared inconclusive.

Sheehan said: ‘I don’t know if it was an accident or on purpose, that’s it and we move on.’ After the game, both teams played it down, but Burger decided to refer the matter to a hearing.

Down and out: Healy is treated for a leg injury during the tour match

Off in pain: Healy was carried off after injuring his ankle

Healy was banned for three weeks during the Six Nations for stamping on England prop — and now Lions team-mate — Dan Cole in Dublin but his suspension was reduced to one week on appeal.

This all follows Owen Farrell’s fight with Barbarians hooker Schalk Brits last Saturday, which prompted a warning from coach Warren Gatland about the need for the Lions to be disciplined.

Heading to hospital: Healy was taken for a precautionary X-ray

Reports on Wednesday night also claimed Lions No 9 Conor Murray could be in trouble for an alleged stamping incident.

Corbisiero, meanwhile, declared he was intent on making himself first-choice prop. The 24-year-old said: ‘It’s going to be a big challenge as there are so many quality players, but once I’m out there I want to get in the Test team.’